What Are Nonfunctioning Tumors?
A nonfunctioning pituitary tumor is an adenoma that does not release an active hormone into the blood. Because it causes no hormone-excess syndrome, it often grows silently for years.
How They Present (Mass Effect)
These tumors are usually found because of their size: vision loss from pressure on the optic nerves, headaches, or hormone shortages (hypopituitarism) from pressure on the normal gland. Many are also discovered incidentally on a scan done for another reason.
Observation vs. Surgery
A small, symptom-free tumor may simply be monitored with periodic MRI and bloodwork. Surgery is generally advised when a tumor affects vision, is growing, or causes significant pressure.
Treatment
When surgery is needed, most nonfunctioning tumors can be removed with minimally invasive transsphenoidal surgery.Become our Patient. Send us your MRI and recent bloodwork and our team will review your case. Call 813-333-1186 or fax records to 844-691-5928.